Traveller: Karabakh University exemplifies Azerbaijan’s remarkable reconstruction efforts

The activities of Karabakh University serve as another striking example of Azerbaijan’s tremendous efforts to rebuild the liberated territories, said Charles Veley, head of the Most Traveled People (MTP) group.

Veley noted that he first visited Khankendi ten months ago and was now able to learn about the operations of Karabakh University, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

“Perhaps the most impressive thing is witnessing how Karabakh has been restored over the past four years. Something new is constantly emerging here: ruins are turning into thriving cities, and construction goes hand in hand with innovation,” Veley said.

Since regaining control over its territories in 2020 following the Second Karabakh War, Azerbaijan has embarked on an unprecedented reconstruction and development campaign across the liberated regions, including Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Lachin, Kalbajar, Jabrayil, Zangilan, and Khojavand. The Azerbaijani government has prioritised transforming these areas—largely devastated during nearly three decades of occupation—into modern, sustainable, and smart cities. The reconstruction program is being implemented under the “Great Return” strategy, which envisions restoring infrastructure, public services, and living conditions to enable the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons.

The scale of work in the region is immense. Thousands of kilometres of new roads and highways have been built or repaired, including the Victory Road to Shusha, the Fuzuli–Shusha highway, and a network of tunnels and bridges in the mountainous Kalbajar–Lachin area. In the energy sector, Azerbaijan has launched new power plants, solar and hydroelectric stations, and smart grids to ensure regional energy independence. Urban development is also advancing rapidly, with cities such as Fuzuli, Aghdam, and Jabrayil being rebuilt from scratch according to “smart city” and “green energy” concepts that incorporate digital governance, renewable energy, and environmentally friendly materials.

The reconstruction drive also includes the creation of new social infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, cultural centers, and universities — including Karabakh University in Khankendi, established in 2023 — are central to restoring normal life and reviving education and culture in the region. At the same time, the government is developing agriculture and industry by launching agricultural parks, industrial zones, and logistics centers aimed at creating employment and fostering long-term economic growth.

Azerbaijan’s reconstruction model in Karabakh has drawn international recognition for its speed, scale, and focus on sustainability. Numerous delegations of foreign diplomats, journalists, and experts — including members of the Most Traveled People (MTP) group — have visited the region to witness firsthand the transformation taking place across the liberated territories.

By Khagan Isayev